Regardless of India’s sometimes archaic, some might even say burgeoning night life scene.. my search for a perfect party ended, when I got to experience the legendary Bedrock Records label boss John Digweed, a connoisseur of Progressive/ Tech-House at a local hot spot not so long ago. In a sea of events catering to raking in the big bucks, these nights brought out a handful number of fans old and new who love the underground. The two nights I speak of, remain unforgettable. The turn out was not as expected, but we who were there had an aural carnival. The lights down low, minimal fuss and a cavernous smoky vibe along-side the very nature of the hypnotic quality in the music was designed to dance uninhibitedly. The raving attitude of old, where one finds each other while floating around the room, if they want to on full display.

In contrast, with due respect to clubs or festival parties featuring for example the popular figures like Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Steve Aoki to the Hardwell and Avicii are usually a spectacle of corporate sponsorship at hand with the bottle popping, cake throwing, confetti flying, picture taking decadence.

The divide is stark and felt immediately between the two segments, as catching up with the west we tend to book one of the Top Ten names, pay them huge amounts of money, which immediately indicates that they are ‘it’. As the cash got discovered in commercial House music world-wide, in turn India seemingly followed trends from international waters causing promoters/sponsors to focus on commercial EDM, as clearly the volume is in the youth. The entire phenomena is concentrated with our young as the core receiver and consumer who find popular music to be cool or trendy. Mainstream dance music mostly depends on vocals rendered by fashionably dressed recording artists collaborating with names such as David Guetta, Deadmau5, Kaskade to drive their packaging. Back in the days, the other experimental EDM came from Frankie Knuckles, Danny Tenaglia, Paul Oakenfold to Sven Vath in the later part of the 80’s/90s and early 2000. Early sign post parties held at Twilo, Tunnel, the Palladium and of warehouse clubbing in Europe are raving yarn. In no way, does the latter scene have lesser numbers abroad, till date.

Many of our local acts such as Anish Sood, Ajit Pai, Lost Stories, Clement DSouza, Priyanjana are sale able artists, who pack places with the younger lot that like the sing along vibe in India. Chatting with Priyanjana brings out the facts that cannot be ignored when she quips- ”Each to their own. Having said that, I am at a club residency where we feature commercial artists as well as the Underground acts. Yet, the only thing that gives it up, is when the public themselves end up enjoying only one and not the latter. It’s frustrating, but I would like to be positive and hope to see a change in that attitude in the near future”.

Our divide could be because, the club going audience here, does not have the numbers that sample a varied taste in music which is an essential to advocate, all kinds of genres. The early closing times at our clubs also play spoil-sport to building the Underground vibe. D-Nox (Germany) world renowned Techno Dj and label owner at Sprout Music say’s of our club scene-”It’s important for a good Techno party to go the distance of hours, only then can one feel any kind of hypnosis”. As was evident in his gigs in India, where short sets didn’t do any justice to the style of underground music he plays, which requires time to weave a story or create a vibe.

Founder at Krunk; Sohail Arora is positive though- ” I believe that in the last 2 to 3 years, we’ve seen a positive change to the rise of venues, festivals in our country supporting underground music. It’s been the busiest season so far and I feel the line getting blurry as many of our events are being head-lined by good artists. Even though we have a long way to go in terms of numbers, it’s still a great place to be in”.
EDM in India is the trendiest acronym for Pop music and then one has the respected Grammys acknowledge the impact of EDM stars such as Skrillex, David Guetta and Deadmau5 and our core youth is sold to the prominent styles of today. Several niche parties in metros such as Mumbai and Bangalore do suggest though, of the novelty in mainstream to be fading a bit and a balance created with the underground wheel.
Artists such as Sanjay Dutta, Ankytrixx, Madhav Shorey, Arjun Vagale, Praveen Achary, Jehan Johar, Anastasia & Whosane, Vipul Angirish who play forward thinking sounds reflects the broader range, are in fact performing with greater regularity.
A corporate hoodlum by day with the flip side of a crackling Techno Dj by night- Helium Project banters: ”The introduction of Commercial House music has expanded the size of people listening to EDM, but then roots where the genre originated from, is completely lost. Dance music, with it’s commercial packaging inside of EDM, is responsible for the down trend of quality music, whether by skewed programming in festivals, and club gigs. However, a handful of Djs/Promoters are hanging on to the more purist vibe. It all depends on how many of us are ready to bring in quality music which doesn’t necessarily get the cash registers ringing”.

Ash Roy, a member from the defunct yet most successful electronic bands of India, say’s- ‘‘The reason why Jalebee Cartel became a fantastic architect of the Indian underground scene was because we brought in the concept of Live Techno alongside the vibe of a proper rave, but as the band’s success grew and bookings started to pile up, our musical vision started to suffer, as it often happens the demand for a friendlier, more identifiable sounds came to our notice. Which was never our vision nor was it the direction that we wanted to go towards”.

On to another Dj/Producer making waves in our underground and more eclectic sphere; Madhav Shorey has this to say- ” I think the rift is something that’s always been there. Some things just belong in certain places and that’s just how it is. Underground music over the last few years has made a huge following for itself over the globe and is at a nice place where young artists who are experimenting and unique are making a name for themselves and even tricking into the mainstream. A lot of genres are blending into each other and honestly, neither one would not survive if it weren’t for the other. We would not have an option and I think it’s important to understand that”.

However, I remain confused at the future of dance music expansion in India, even though non formulaic music is getting a boost from companies like sLick!, Audiophile India and Unmute agency, a most heartening sign at best. There remains primarily, the attitude of a mass majority, who are still not ready to open up their minds to music with out Vocals. Also for the most part much of club etiquette is missing (more on that, later)..

Cutting edge performers such as Dubfire, D-Nox, Guy J, Richie Hawtin to name some have lured in good turn outs in 2013 and most encouraging for the circuit, that followers with mature taste in music and an older lot of fans are coming out in support more often fantastic news. Whatever void in this scene remains, is slowly but surely enterprising itself also with nightclubs such as Blue Frog, Lap, Bardo leading the way with show-casing many styles other than just the main stream. I want to be part of a day, when we can have a groovy scenario much like Richie Hawtin’s artistic fruition, where from being a typical child of the underground has gone on to make his project ”Enter”, a big business fashionable curation at Space, Ibiza. Much as I rejoice seeing the good times an Armin Van Buuren concert gets for our clubbing youth, I’d like to feel the experience of a Sven Vath driven ”Cocoon” rave instigated with equal equanimity.
The future looks bright but clouded simultaneously. Until we inculcate a broader thought pattern which rises above all to do good, invite more variety with regularity, we in every way stand a chance to languish in a race, no one is winning. Where the habit of a verbal rave is met with an actual one. I think it’s going to take more than that, to be a force to reckon with…

Before I run off to stomp another yard, as a foot note… after witnessing several top names in both the commercial and underground scenes, I’d very much like to point out to our promoters, that I’d rather pay top bucks to the local Dj/Producers of India who do such a fabulous and a far better job night after night, than hear crap coming out from the speakers played by (atleast some of them) these famous international artists of the electronic music scene. Can someone hire me as a disco police? 😀

1- When I see people emit a yawn the size of the Grand Canyon at peak time; I could easily visualize a Dinosaur walk through the cavernous road and walk back again. I mean come on, I am out to party after a hard week and do I have to come across a sight such as this. Where is the energy? Least one could do is to cover up, before you rain on my party parade. My advice stay home!

2- Nowadays, youngsters are so excited to share that they were at this party and that. What was their party experience like? I’ll tell you, some move their fingers at break neck speed…err mind you…this is only restricted to the key pads of their phones. Some stand around straight out of the movie ”Night of the Living Dead” and what makes it worse is they take up my dancing space. I will give some of the rest a little more credit for having fun, when they move their fore arm in a bid to look alive by flailing their limbs from up to down and back again…. I call them (Disco Statuettes). If there was such a thing as a disco police, I’d show them the door. So much for Oh I went clubbing! When I was growing up I remember we used to dance in the literal sense. At least till my feet hurt and my back sore.

3- Places that are actually small to medium Lounge bars/ restaurants that try to do an actual night-club. Is there any sense in it, I ask. Big clubs host performers and make a night out of things…and more often than not are successful in their undertaking. Where-as the smaller bars/ restaurants see that and want to join the band wagon to do what the bigger spaces do and seriously, at the end of the day make a hash out of things. What comes along with that is; bad sound, super boring vibe, strange people standing around clueless of what they should do. In short these places end up, making a pathetic attempt at hosting an artist who deserves much more than they get. After all they fly thousands of miles to play for you, give them some respect my brothers/ sisters. Here’s a message to all promoters- Choose your event venue wisely. (Coming to think of it, there are only that many venues which do justice to Djs not only from international waters, but have a heart for our local talent who do a fantastic job week after week to entertain you with the best music from around the world).

4- Knock, knock peeps…do not look like specimens from the cave ages by sending requests to Djs and or stare at him/ her with murderous eyes to play a certain sound or track. It is disrespectful and more than anything shows your intelligence as a clubber when you show no sense or party etiquette to enjoy what the show case of the evening is. As the saying goes, a Dj is not a jukebox. You gotta know your artist and then come prepared for what’s in store and make sure you enjoy it. One doesn’t make a pretty picture by making sad faces that’ll depress even the dead Camel. I mean Boo hoo!! Get over it. Here, venues should take note and do more to advertise the music policy of the night in question and not cut such a sorry figure in turn.

5- The biggest point for me that is increasingly getting annoying are with new substance users- You end up looking a screaming wannabe. I don’t want to know what you have consumed and how much off it. To tom tom it, doesn’t make you cool or with it. And surely not when you grind and appear to be chewing your own face off, I have no death wish to stare at a Golly wog. Note to yourself- Find a quiet corner to face eat!!

6- On a serious note….Whether you’re with your significant other, or you have developed a special connection with the randomer you met on the dance floor just 2 brief hours ago, as happy as I am for you, I don’t want to watch your mating ritual. Take it to the sides, to a private space, to the smoking area, back home, I don’t care. It is frankly inducing much queasiness and surely you need to get a life when you don’t understand that it is more than anything, embarrassing for yourself.

7- Chicks in high heels who wobble and end up stamping toes (here I must mention I have nothing against footwear like that) but you do aim at me much like a missile. If you can’t stand on them or are prone to tottering; don’t wear them!

8- And just because I am dancing alone, doesn’t mean that I am available or want to join in a circle with you. So to creeps of a certain mind jam; it’s not ”ok” for me to dance with you. And when I say no, I mean it.

Oh boy! I could go on and on. But I got to go make shapes on a dance floor, but leave you with a mix set which is curating my head in current times in the download section.

Hello earthlings…I am yet to catch my breath from all the December and New Year’s dance fun…but there’s no stopping me as I dive head first in to 2013 with so many musical stories that are left to be played out. I am truly excited with all the untold prancing that’ll keep me busy, cause munkeys don’t rest and my hips cannot lie.

So lets get to the burning business at hand… We are just one sleep away from the glittering MyFav Dj awards night at the hottest music venue the Blue Frog- Mumbai to unfold, and it’s giving me so much pleasure to live the dream of two ridiculously talented souls, who’ve made music entertainment a serious business with an undertaking that means so much for the movement in this country.

Behold- the MyFav Awards 2013; which is to be held for the 3rd year in running with much sparkle and musical mayhem, is all ready to roll out in an epical night for the lovers of club/dance fanatics. This unique concept by the 360 Edge duos (Vishal & Eddie) is to celebrate every year the Djs who make an impact in music with India’s only exclusive online poll, that lets you make your choice and makes sure they are crowned the winners of tomorrow. A night dedicated to the Djs/ Artists who make you dance, to the clubs that welcome us in to their booming fold and the festivals that get your spirits free to run around in are all part of this electric package.

An annual voting process; it has become quickly popular amongst the old and new. Garnering a whopping number that’s over 1700 registrations in just under a year, the web-site www.myfavdj.in is the largest resource for Djs and artists.

MyFavAwards is bigger than ever in size and all that’s nice with 14 award categories that serve you delectable bits of musicians as your chosen one. This year we see added, two new categories called ‘Producer of the Year’ & ‘Festival of the Year’ plus as I know it a spanking hot trophy design more than makes it a collector’s item. The event gets a glamorous boost with lovely Ramona Arena making sure you’re clued in to the proceedings from the word go.

A birdie tells me there’s a performance slated by the effervescent Kunal Avanti with his upcoming music video release LA- LA Land; who happens to be quite the hot-stepper in recent times.

The event will be a belter with Indie Pop star Raxit Tewari from Sky Rabbit show-casing a song from his solo project ‘Your Chin’ as well…Exciting times indeed!

To top that up, a galaxy of stars will be descending in their musical shoes as award presenters. In addition, the nomination panel comprises of professionals in their respective fields yet carrying immense understanding for the industry at hand shall be putting in an appearance to support music and above all for the ones who make it. MyFavAwards is a comprehensive show-case of significant performers with a jaw dropping body of work; that have made an impact on the music scene and I’m jumping to see which Djs/ Producers are going to walk away with that spiffy prize.

The festivities of the evening will continue as the intent is to recognize and celebrate music in its best face with the MyFavAwards ‘The After Party’ hosting a line-up designed to make you move the hardest with 4 of India’s most brilliant dance music Djs. The heavy weights to perform are BoomBaba, Arjun Vagale, Janux & Ankytrixx….

I am loaded and locked to a night that will be remembered for one more thing which is to raise a toast to an art form that is subjective but nevertheless focuses on music and seeks to shine the light on the chosen few who have scorched many a dance floors with their console magic.

At the end, the way to honor these individuals who influence the industry is to celebrate their talent and the way to let them know we care enough is to stomp the yard!

If there is an artist par excellence who is responsible for making 2012 one of the brightest in Electronic dance music…not much thinking required. There is no doubt in my musical mind that the trophy deservedly goes to the Dj/ Producer making me heave and bump to mellifluous tunes is the one and only Henry; the monster Saiz performer is unquestionably the genius of our times.

The ‘Uncharted’ path Saiz travels on, is full of unfailing musicality and mesmerizing sound scapes that I’m privileged to behold. Dancemunkey is joyous at the opportunity given to explore the mind of the ground breaking performer hailing from Spain, after the conclusion of his successful India tour. Without further ado, I give it over to Henry in a chat that’ll hopefully get you one step closer to the man who made me mush with the effervescent remix of ‘Lamur’ by Guy J not so long ago, cause since then there’s no looking back.

DM– Henry, first time in India. Looking forward to this uncharted territory?

HS- Yes indeed! Been waiting for a long time for this tour.

DM– Resident Advisor top 100 DJs list, and you’ve won in three categories in the DJ Mag Spain awards, Best Live Act, Best Record Label (Natura Sonoris) and Best Compilation (Balance 019). Did you ever imagine such recognition and adulation of your fans and followers?

HS- Well, all these awards are nice because they show how people and media support your work but I don´t really care about it when doing music, its good promotion and a nice way for people to show support so it´s always welcome anyway!

DM– Natura Sonoris (Nature of Sound) your own label; are you happy with the direction it is going towards?

HS- So happy, my own album is coming out on Natura so that means how confident I am about the label´s present and future. The label is definitely growing, the sound becoming more and more special and we have many exciting releases in the pipeline for 2013.

DM– You Sir have been making big waves in the Electronic dance music scene for some time now. Did you always know you wanted to be a music producer and Dj?

HS- Well, when I started being more confident about my sound, I of course thought on the possibility but when I started doing electronic music my only aim was to do something that I liked. For me music making is a passion and a need, so I did not have a higher motivation than just to express myself. After doing this professionally for some years I think that´s the right approach to music, if you start doing this only because you want to be famous and stuff like that you´re gonna get obsessed and probably your music will be just be a tool for you to stay up there in the game, not honest artistic expression.

DM– Having a renowned podcast ‘The Labyrinth’, one can see it’s close to your heart; your thoughts on what makes it special?

HS- I guess it´s the freedom. I created the show because I wanted to show people all the music that I love and which I can´t play in a club for obvious reasons. Besides it gives me the chance to use it as a showcase for talented producers and djs that I know. I love to do it and I’m so glad that it got so many followers.

DM– Did you already have any impressions about India & sLick?

HS- Well I know about the typical things, it´s my first time here so I’m not an expert. As an occidental I find very interesting all the Hinduism and the Indian philosophy. I’m not a religious person at all but I find amazing all the traditions and the religion in India how it affects people´s way to see the world. About sLick I know they do the best underground parties in India so I’m happy to work with them 😉

DM– Ever happened that you are in the same room as John Digweed & Guy J…if yes would you describe it as a fun gathering?

HS- That´s strange actually but I don´t remember the three of us in the same room, I don´t think we played together at the same party yet..There you have a good suggestion for promoters!

DM– Which is your favorite cuisine?

HS- It would be kind to say Indian, but spicy food is not for me I’m afraid, it´s Japanese food. Actually probably the best Japanese food I ever had wasn’t in Japan but in New Delhi at the Japanese restaurant in Taj Mahal hotel. Strongly recommended.

DM– What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

HS- I drink Coffee while checking emails. The first 4 hours of my day are like office work. I talk to my manager, reply to emails, that sort of stuff. I’m not 100% ready to face any kind of creative process when I wake up, need at least 4 or 5 hours and then I go to the studio where I’d probably be all day and night long.

DM– A musical gadget you want to own?

HS- Many… maybe a huge Gothic Pipe organ or of course any kind of vintage synth.

DM- Not many people know that you are a sound designer for Films & TV; how did that come about?

HS- I’m not doing it anymore, just a few selected works but yeah I worked doing music and sound design for TV some years. Worked in productions for Disney, Nickelodeon, etc. I wanted to live doing music and this was a good opportunity, wasn’t easy to get to that point but it happened that I had to choose between that or my own artistic career at some point, and I decided to focus on my career and do this just for special projects.

DM– A tune that you are especially proud of?

HS- Mmm…I’m quite proud of the whole track list of my upcoming album.

DM– What would you say is the Henry Saiz signature sound?

HS- Hard to say, I guess it´s quite recognizable the dirty analog sound, the use of the compression and background noises and of course my kind of melodies, now I’m using more and more vocals so the way I process the fx on them maybe it´s a signature I don´t know. It´s hard to see yourself from outside you know.

DM– If you weren’t a Dj, any next best profession you’d choose to be at?

HS- I always wanted to study Psychology. I love video creation as well. Don´t know, it gets weird to imagine myself doing anything different than music making now.

DM– What’s the rest of 2012 looking like, gigs and productions wise?

HS- I just got back from Creamfields, Buenos Aires and Creamfields, Lima. It was truly amazing. I have to finish my album as soon as I can. I need a lot of time in the studio but for example, in December I´ll be out touring in Australia and Mexico almost the whole month. So be busy as usual.

DM- Can you describe yourself in five words.

HS- Sorry but I can´t do that, the risk of looking pathetic or egocentric are too high haha!

DM– Having received such critical acclaim in your musical career, is there anything still to achieve?

HS- Of course, there´s always something more to achieve. The next step for me is my album and show people my real musical soul and personality outside of the club music. That and the tour for the album which will be quite different from my Dj shows, a proper Live one. Can´t wait for this, 2013 is going to be so exciting.

The story of a man who is a master of celestial tunes and fabulous Dj sets. His style is other worldly and carries luscious dimensions the only way he can. Electronic music is being re-defined as we dance along to higher highs, the Saiz matters way…

I for one can’t wait for him to get to India again, just so that the many of you who missed his shows here in 2012 can get your ears on to the Saiz mixology that which he does in such cutting edge manner; it leaves your mind boggled. For those who don’t know, the tour was put together by sLick! The one man show- you know who you are 🙂 does no wrong in bringing quality underground sounds that make for top notch clubbing nights in India.

On to the goodie bag section- feel the magic of Henry Saiz in the guest mix put together for John Digweed’s highly influential Transitions radio show in the link below-

A crackling summer of 2012 and I’m delighted with all the musical musings in my stride. So much music, so much dancing and prancing to get up to and there’s still the better part of the year to be dealt with.

All hail dance music and above all Percept Ltd for making such a comprehensive and magical impact in our lives for they bring music, performers and the platform for all of us to enjoy in spades.

Cultural diversity of the arts and music sphere all collected at one fantastic gathering created for our discerning music loving audience, has given Percept the boost yet again to bring us another gigantic undertaking in the form of GOD Music festival.

The first ever break through Live music venture is a total go at a breath taking venue along with eclectic artists under the scanner for everyone to behold. The location in question is Cocoparra in Pune; it’ll not only have Live music entertainment featuring some of the best musicians of the world in its fold. The festival also promises state of the art technology, effects and fun activities to put ones dancing feet at.

Dancemunkey is excited as GOD Festival is making a musical hole in the stratosphere with a headlining name in the earthly being of Beardyman, the UK Beatboxing champion is a feather on the British music scene with unique ways of grabbing eye balls with his ridiculous vocal talent. Layering beats with authenticity, many free style antics and a mind boggling range of vocal coolness done with ease and fun is truly mesmerising. Working with the best in the music business and featuring in top clubs and festivals, not only validates the two time UK Beatboxing winner that there is no one like him, even goes to show that his uniqueness in performance knows no bounds. He is all set to release his e.p full of his entire special vocal prowess and as well as a solo album, under top-notch labels internationally. Radio shows, Live performances and voice overs for international consumer giants are also part of his brilliant package.

Beardyman is currently touring this side of the world and I call upon each one of you music heads to get funking with the beat master extraordinaire. Catch exclusive action from the man himself this October, the 27th at GOD Festival along-side some the best of the local heroes of India to other heavy weight international presence.

3 Stages, 10 artists, a spanking new experience along-with fun features in the festival; throw Beardyman in to it and you have the mother of all parties, the one incredible spectacle for all your senses.

I’m off to the live arena that’ll host an oasis full of myriad performers and acts of musical splendor, called GOD!!

Cheeriooo earthlings, I’ll be back to tell you all about the celebrations, in the meanwhile hang tight to beat busting parties this season is bringing, like we only can.

Guy J is at the forefront of a movement in the melody rich and emotionally charged roots of the House music spectrum. He is a young, innovative producer, Dj and Live act whose infectious production talents resulted in his amazing 3 cd artist album (1000 Words) being acclaimed as one of the musical highlights of 2011. Now, in 2012 he is continuing ever upwards with the launch of his own label ‘Lost & Found’ in July. He has just released an exclusive track on Sven Vath’s latest Cocoon compilation, a superb collaboration ‘Trezzz’ with John Digweed & Nick Muir on Bedrock and an amazing remix of the classic ‘Turquoise’ by Circulation on Mesmeric.

One of my all time favorite Dj/producers is coming to town and the only way to rejoice is to get close to the genius in question to help understand when he makes you dance, how it’s so easy to feel alive. Allow me to lead the way in to the labyrinth of his mind and contemporary Progressiveness..

MEET GUY J!!

DM- Hello there Guy, can you tell your fans who know so little of you where you were born and brought up?

GJ- Hello, I was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. It was here that I was exposed to Electronic music and fell in love with it.

DM- Was growing up in Israel a musical childhood?

GJ- Yes, very. Israel has a rich night life and at the time there was always good music on the radio from Electronic, to Rock, to Classical- I used to sit around a lot next to the radio and listen for hours.

DM- Did you always know you wanted to become a Dj and music producer?

GJ- It was the first thing I knew I wanted to be. I was getting in to it at a very young age, I think at an age that often you don’t think what you want to do or be when you grow up.

DM- How did the initial days start off?

GJ- Well, really just sitting in front of my computer and starting to try out stuff, listening to a lot of music, buying some records…Looking for music was more like a challenge back then. To find a record you’d heard and you really needed to find that 12′. The end of the 90’s was just loaded with so much good music.

DM- Which was your first professional gig?

GJ- I played a lot in Israel, which helped me a lot to read and understand the audience. But my first gig outside Israel was in Holland; a very exciting day that I’ll remember for my whole life.

DM- Any one particular artist that you got up and took notice off, take influences from?

GJ- Guy Gerber and James Holden were big influences on my music and on me. There are many great producers and you can learn a lot from them, but those two were good ‘teachers’ through their music.

DM- How did your association with John Digweed begin, you guys seem close?

GJ- It just started from the first release I had on Bedrock Records and just kept going on from there. Bedrock was always supporting my music since that first time.

DM- This is going to be your 3rd time in India with sLick boy Prateek Pandey doing much good for the electronic scene in the country, excited to come back?

GJ- Yes! The last two tours were full with great gigs and I’ve met very nice people in India. I’m happy to be back again and looking forward to meeting more people and playing some new music 🙂

DM- What are you planning to do differently, have your sounds changed from the last time you played here?

GJ- Since last time I was in India I’ve worked a lot on my music, so I have some new tracks I’m really looking forward to playing out. Some great music by other artists too, so it’ll be a lot of fun.

DM- Any gig that’s special, a favorite club?

GJ- My last visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina was just magical. One of the best crowds is there and I am loving going back every time.

DM- You have a leaning towards keeping it deeply Progressive and dripping hypnotic Techno, a sound that best describes you?

GJ- I make music that is a blend from a few different genres of House music, trying to keep it sounding amazing for a wide cross section of Djs and listeners. So maybe you could say Tech/ Progressive/ Deep House music lol.

DM- Any hobbies, when you have time away from work?

GJ- Photography, I love it!

DM- You’ve come a long way from the ‘Esperanza’ days, any track produced by you that’s your personal best?

GJ- No, it’s hard to choose a ‘best one’. Every track you finish producing you think it’s the best, but when you think about it the last one was the best also…. So each track is my best in some way for me.

DM- News is you are starting a new project ‘Lost & Found’ in association with your fellow colleagues at Bedrock, is this sub-label your brain child and what is your vision behind this venture?

GJ- Yes, it’s a big step for me to start the label ‘Lost & Found”. Bedrock, as I said before has always supported me and now I have the chance to start my own label as a sub-label for Bedrock. It’s a dream come true and also a great challenge. ‘Lost & Found’ will be my way to release more music and also support some of the many great artists that are out there. It’s my way of giving more good music to the scene.

DM- Any tunes releasing we can look forward to from your side and what’s your gig guide looking like this year?

GJ- The first release on the label is titled ‘Lost & Found’, an original track by me with massive remixes by Guy Mantzur and Sahar Z. We are already getting good feedback from Djs and the track is working great on the dance floor. There are a few more remixes of mine coming out soon. You can listen to ‘Lost & Found’ here-http://www.soundcloud.com/lostandfoundrec. My gig list is looking great and I am happy everywhere I get to play.

DM- A birdie tells us that you have a love for Pizza, where have you eaten your best one 🙂 or is it a secret?

GJ- Hhehehe!! It’s not a secret, I am addicted and the best one I had was in in Bangalore, I think. We have to ask our friend Prateek, that was magical.

DM- Any particular way you like your console setup?

GJ- Well I play with Ableton, so I need enough space inside the dj booth to set up my stuff, besides that just a crowd in a good mood for music.

DM- A djing gear you cannot do without?

GJ- My Mac!

DM- With the club scene in some trouble, we hope your fans get to see you performing in Mumbai, but happy to play in the rest of the cities?

GJ- Yes, traveling is very rewarding, every place has it’s own vibe. So I am looking forward to it.

DM- Where do you travel from here, where are you playing next?

GJ- Next after India is The Egg in London.

I am off to a week-end full of Guygantic tunes. My gum boots are out, if I need to wade to get to these venues as the Israeli Dj/Producer is slated to appear at F-Bar, Mumbai for the DJ Mag India launch on Friday the 6th, the following night at Ricks, Delhi that’s Saturday the 7th and then you can catch him at A Day of sLick which will be held at 1 Lounge, Pune on the 8th a Sunday. So lotsa fun & frolic to be had…and it’s gotta start with this beautifully sculpted set full of melodies layered with deep basslines. My current pick in the download section- Guy J- Electronic Groove

The golden boy of electronic dance in India hardly needs an introduction. Having paved the way to a path that is full of intelligent musical sensibilities for many years, not for one minute has the trade mark twinkle diminished. It totally explains why he is such an incredible success story not only as part of the hugely celebrated Electronic act Jalebee Cartel; Ash holds his own even when he is appearing solo.

Dancemunkey caught up with him while on his Europe tour doing what he is known to do best…sing a song, ride the percussions and play out dj sets worth Red Rackham’s treasure…hehe just joking 🙂 (an imaginary character, while Ash is as real as it gets)…

Meet the soul behind the ultra cool music man-

DM- Ash Roy, you are a supernova of the Electronic dance music scene in India. Tell us when and how did the Djing bug bite you?

AR- Well I was always fascinated with Turntables and the idea of playing records while I was a kid. I started off playing for parties in 1995 but on cassette players since that’s what I could get my hands on. Then later on in 1996 I got the opportunity to play at Anticlock; one of the first few nightclubs in Kolkata. The day I was hired as a resident dj at Anticlock there was no looking back. I fell in love with what I was doing. The whole process of mixing music just got to me.

DM- You have an illustrious and envious catalog of residencies and gigs from as early as the 90’s, happy with your beginnings?

AR- Yes, very happy with all my residencies and gigs. It’s because of all those experiences I had as a Dj which has got me to where I am today.

DM- Any artists back in the early days, who may have influenced you with their music sensibilities?

AR- Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode & Underworld.

DM- Growing up in Kolkata your home town, a musically rich back ground?

AR- Kolkata has such a strong musical background from Indian classical to Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll. It’s because of me growing up in such a rich back ground of music I got into Djing and to producing and performing. I got formal training in Tabla from the age of 7. If it wasn’t for Tabla I wouldn’t be playing all those percussion’s in our LIVE sets. So yes growing up in Kolkata has been inspiring and has been an integral part of my life.

DM- Was veering off from Progressive House a conscious decision, as your early days smacked off those sounds to what you are doing now?

AR- Quality House music was something I fell in love with the day I heard it. Yes it was a conscious effort cause there a lot of other sounds like Tech House & Techno that were being played all over the world ….specially in Europe. All Record labels were signing more Tech House and Techno tracks. So I decided to produce Tech House & Techno. This way I got the opportunity to play these genres to the Indian audience. You have to keep evolving. If you keep playing the same stuff and producing the same stuff then you get boring. You need to move on…and so I did.

DM- How did the explosive collaboration with fellow musicians from Jalebee Cartel happen?

AR- It happened when I shifted to Delhi in 2003 and teamed up with Arjun Vagale and Ashvin Mani Sharma. Later Madhav Shorey and G. Arjun joined the team and we just hit it off not only as fellow Dj’s/Musicians but as friends. We enjoyed each others company and every moment of producing and playing together.

DM- Your role in the band with vocals & percussion’s, as a collective…can you think of any one element that has made Jalebee Cartel the most successful of all time?

AR- I think everyone’s effort in whatever possible way has got Jalebee to where it is. It’s the people that make a nation and it was us together that made Jalebee Cartel successful.

DM- How did the singing and playing of instruments take shape, did you get formal training for it?

AR- I got formal training in tabla when I was a kid and I used to sing for the school choir. When we formed Jalebee we wanted to take dance music to another level. I wanted to make it more interactive. So I sang and introduced a lot of different percussion’s in our LIVE sets.

DM- Does your productions have any one quality you like to represent?

AR- It represents me. Most of my productions have a lot of percussion sounds in it and I like to keep it groovy.

DM- Describe yourself in 5 words.

AR- Emotional, Funny, Dreamer, Ambitious, Story teller.

DM- You travel pretty much all around the globe, how do you find time to get stuck in the studio?

AR- Well I normally play on the weekends. I find time in the studio on weekdays.

DM- What is your favorite Dj setup?

AR- I always loved playing records so it was 2 turntables and a mixer, but since it’s easier to carry a laptop, Soundcard & a Midi controller so I made the shift.

DM- Do you think the dance scene in India is plodding a bit, as compared to the massive party attitude prevalent in the rest of the world?

AR- There has been a huge change in India. More and more people are listening to Dance music nowadays but looking at our nightlife situation in the country just makes me sad. New rules coming in and Night Clubs shutting early plus some clubs shutting down completely. If it continues this way then it will be difficult for the scene to grow. Besides this I think we in India have a great audience and have the same energy compared to any other country abroad.

DM- Any gig that you will never forget?

AR- Fusion Festival, Germany 2010. We played on the main Techno stage called Trumbuhne. We had nearly 10 – 15 thousand people dancing to the music. It was phenomenal.

DM- A crazy fan request?

AR- This happens a lot in India ” Can you please play some songs “

DM- Vinyls, would you play on them now?

AR- I would love to play Vinyls, but playing through my laptop with a sound card and midi controller is more convenient. We don’t get vinyls in India plus most labels have gone digital.

DM- Give the latest news on any upcoming releases this year?

AR- Well as of now I have a 2 track Ep called ” Hour Glass ” which is soon to be out on Kasey Taylor’s ” Vapour Recordings ” and another 4 track Ep called ” Smell.S.D soon to be out on Elektrotribe Records Berlin, plus a few remixes.

DM- Your project with another member of the band member Ashwin, ‘Crash & Boom’, how’s that going and where are you headed with that?

AR- Crash & Boom is a project Ashvin and I started just for the love of Psychedelic Trance. We have quite a few original tracks. We have been producing and performing just for fun.

DM- Any collaborations with labels, we need to know of that’s big news?

AR- Releasing on Vapour Records is a good sign.

DM- What’s your summer looking like, we know your headed to Europe. Anything that you are especially looking forward to in the upcoming tour?

AR- Yes a lot of gigs lined up and looking forward to playing in Fusion Festival again.

DM- If you were stuck in the woods with Ritchie Hawtin, Josh Wink and a console?

AR- Hahahah….well I’d play them a set and then tell them to come and play with me back to back 🙂

DM- Your personal favorite club or festival?

AR- Fusion Festival, Germany.

DM- How do you handle the fame & adulation that’s come your way?

AR- I try and be humble.

DM- As one part of a successful band; do you prefer to play out at live performances or Dj sets, a leaning towards one or the other?

AR- I enjoy playing alone as well with the band.

DM- How different is it to you performing solo to when you are performing as a collective of Jalebee Cartel?

AR- When we play LIVE as a collective then i do vocals, Percussion’s and then Dj, but when i play alone I Dj and throw in a few percussion’s.

DM- Lastly, any tune that you have produced you may be especially proud of?

AR- Well the 2 new Ep’s to be out soon are the ones I’m looking forward to.

The dynamism of Ash Roy is on glorious display here in India and internationally. If someone were to ask me what makes Ash Roy special, I would reply- origin unknown…

As usual in my goodie bag section a special mix set by Ash Roy full of luscious candies and I can’t wait to put it on real loud!!